Notice: I’m an affiliate for Amazon as well as other companies. Any links in this article may be affiliate links. I always appreciate it if you purchase something using my affiliate links. Doing so helps me to raise a little extra money that pays for the costs of running this site. And it allows me to continue bringing you quality content, all without costing you a thing! Thanks!
As women get older we face inevitable changes in our reproductive system. Perimenopause, the time before our menstrual cycle stops and we can no longer get pregnant can start a decade (or more) before menopause. And there are quite a few symptoms that come with a menopausal change in hormones. Most people know about symptoms such as hot flashes, moodiness, sleep disturbances, and decreased libido. But some strange menopause symptoms aren’t so well known. So I wanted to share them.
I started experiencing perimenopausal symptoms around 2013. But like so many women, I had no idea that was what I was experiencing. But I didn’t experience many of the normal symptoms that many women experience. I haven’t had much of an issue with hot flashes or decreased libido. However, I experienced strange symptoms that I had no idea were connected with decreasing levels of hormones. At times a few of these symptoms even impacted my life and have made it challenging to function. And as I’ve talked to more and more women I’ve realized that I’m not alone. There are so many women struggling because of their symptoms. Many don’t even recognize that the symptoms they are experiencing are the result of perimenopause. That is certainly what happened to me early on. And what’s most frustrating is that they don’t often get the right support from their doctor to help find solutions. And solutions DO exist!
The strange menopause symptoms I experienced
Restless leg syndrome
If you haven’t experienced restless leg syndrome it is an uncomfortable tingling or crawling feeling in the legs. It is accompanied by this overwhelming urge to move the legs. For many, it is worse during the evening hours, although it can happen at any time of the day. Those who struggle with restless leg syndrome at night may have a difficult time sleeping as a result. While studies have not linked restless leg syndrome directly to the decline in estrogen, it may be linked to other things that are. Many women experience low iron in perimenopause due to periods that are heavier than normal. Certain medications that are prescribed more often during perimenopause, such as antidepressants can also contribute.
I found that my restless leg syndrome was connected to iron deficiency anemia which is more common in perimenopausal women. Treating that has helped significantly.
Dizziness
Dizziness during perimenopause is a common symptom. It can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations that occur during this transitional phase. Hormonal changes can affect various systems in the body, including the cardiovascular and vestibular systems, which can contribute to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. Estrogen plays a role in regulating blood pressure and circulation, so fluctuations in estrogen levels can lead to changes in blood pressure, potentially causing dizziness.
However, it’s important to note that dizziness can also be caused by other factors unrelated to perimenopause, such as inner ear problems, medication side effects, dehydration, or other medical conditions. Therefore, it’s essential for individuals experiencing dizziness during perimenopause to talk to their doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
This one hit me hard during the last 15 months of perimenopause. It was concerning enough to me that I didn’t want to be behind the wheel of a car if I didn’t have to be. It got so bad that I fell while walking my dog. Dizziness is a scary symptom! For me, it went away when I started taking supplements that help with menopause symptoms.
Being gassy and bloated
Many women experience bloating and gassiness during perimenopause. These symptoms can be attributed to the hormonal changes that occur during this transition leading up to menopause. Estrogen plays a role in regulating bodily functions, such as digestion and metabolism. When estrogen levels fluctuate, it can affect the balance of bacteria in the gut. This can lead to changes in digestion and may cause bloating and gassiness.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause can also affect how the body processes certain foods. This may lead to increased sensitivity to certain foods that may cause bloating and gas.
I’ve definitely had times where this has been an issue. And I’ve talked to a lot of ladies who struggle with this one, and it can be a bit embarrassing!
Itchy skin
Estrogen plays a crucial role in keeping the skin healthy by promoting collagen production and keeping the skin moist. As estrogen levels fluctuate and eventually decline during perimenopause, these changes can affect the skin, leading to symptoms like dryness and itching. The skin also begins to produce less oil which can make itching worse. Stress also can exacerbate the issue.
I have definitely had issues with this. It has been important for me, particularly during the colder months to use lotion and products designed to hydrate my skin, scalp, and lips. It is also important to make sure to drink plenty of water each day since dehydration will make dry skin even worse!
Vocal Issues
This is one that most people aren’t talking about. But it is relevant to me because I am a singer and vocal coach. I noticed that I was getting laryngitis very easily during the last decade. But the past two years, it got far worse. I had no idea what was causing it. But when I did some research I found a connection between the decrease in estrogen and symptoms like hoarseness, dryness of the vocal cords and loss of certain areas of the range.
So I went onto a couple of online boards for classical singers where they were discussing this issue. Most found resolution of the hoarseness with hormone replacement therapy. I am not currently doing HRT, but take supplements such as black cohosh that have definitely made a difference for me as well.
Cold flashes
Everyone connects hot flashes with perimenopause and menopause. But have you heard about cold flashes? Hot flashes were not common for me during perimenopause (I have been postmenopausal since June of 2023). Even now I don’t really have a hot flash unless I’m REALLY stressed or REALLY tired. But I had a lot of cold flashes. What was a cold flash like for me? I would have random moments when I would get the chills. At times I struggled to get warm. These often just lasted a few minutes. Occassionally they would last up to 30 minutes and would go away. And I had them at all times of the year…even when it was 100 degrees outside (and I won’t complain about that!).
During perimenopause, fluctuating hormone levels can disrupt the body’s thermoregulatory system, which controls body temperature. Estrogen plays a role in regulating the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that helps regulate body temperature. When estrogen levels fluctuate, it can confuse the hypothalamus, leading to dysregulation of body temperature. This can result in sensations of coldness or cold flashes.
Ringing in the ears
Tinnitus, a buzzing or ringing in the ears without an external sound source, can occur during perimenopause. It is not as commonly discussed as other symptoms like hot flashes or mood swings. While the direct relationship between tinnitus and perimenopause is not fully understood, hormonal fluctuations and changes in circulation could play a role in its occurrence.
Estrogen has been found to have a protective effect on the auditory system. And fluctuations in estrogen levels during perimenopause may disrupt this protective mechanism, potentially leading to an increased risk of tinnitus.
This one can be downright annoying, especially if the ringing is loud, or constant. I have been fortunate that my tinnitus is not constant. It happens occassionally. But it can be distracting when it does. Since I started an herbal protocal for my symptoms I don’t experience it very often anymore.
Feeling shaky-having internal vibrations
Feeling shaky, or having internal tremors or vibrations may not be talked about a lot, but is very much something that can happen to women as the result of fluctuating hormones. What this feels like is vibrations within the body that cannot be seen externally. I can speak from experience that this symptom can be a little unsettling. although it’s typically not harmful.
Women may feel these internal vibrations in various parts of their body, including the chest, abdomen, or limbs. The exact cause of internal tremors in perimenopause is not fully understood. Estrogen affects neurotransmitters in the brain and the nervous system’s overall function. Fluctuations in hormone levels can impact the nervous system, potentially leading to symptoms like internal tremors.
I first noticed these when I was lying in bed several years ago. I actually thought that it was one of my dogs moving around. But that wasn’t the case. It was my internal vibrations.
Seasonal allergies seemingly get worse
I’m writing this post at the beginning of the spring allergy season here in South Carolina. And over the past few years particularly I have noticed a big difference in how my body responds to allergens. My seasonal allergies have definitely been worse. And I’m already feeling it this year. Itchy, watery eyes, plenty of sneezing, and a stuffy nose are all regular symptoms that I experience. But why are symptoms worse during perimenopause?
Declining progesterone may be to blame. Progesterone helps to keep the histamine response in check, which keeps seasonal allergies manageable. But when progesterone dips during perimenopause, histamine can be released more freely causing an increase in allergy symptoms.
Joint pain
This was perhaps the worst symptom for me during perimenopause. It’s better now, but I still have days when it hurts.
Joint pain during perimenopause is a common complaint among women transitioning to menopause. This pain can manifest as stiffness, discomfort, or aches in various joints, including the knees, hips, hands, neck, and shoulders. While the exact cause of increased joint pain during this period isn’t fully understood, several things are believed to contribute to the symptoms.
The most significant cause of perimenopausal joint pain is the fluctuation in hormone levels, particularly estrogen. Estrogen plays a role in maintaining joint and bone health. It does this by regulating the inflammation process and the turnover of joint tissues. As estrogen levels fluctuate and decline during perimenopause, this can lead to increased inflammation and changes in joint tissues, resulting in pain and stiffness.
But hormone changes aren’t the only thing that contributes to joint pain during perimenopause. Weight gain, physical inactivity, reduced muscle mass, stress, and poor diet may also cause joint pain. My neck and shoulder pain was so bad at times that I struggled to work on my computer. Finding the right supplements to help with the hormone imbalance definitely helped me a lot.
Unexpected rage
This can be an uncomfortable and unexpected symptom for a lot of women. Experts often talk about mood swings during perimenopause. But people don’t talk as often about the moments of intense rage that can happen with hormonal shifts.
Estrogen impacts the production of serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical. Serotonin regulates moods and boosts happiness. So if levels become low it will impact emotions. Many women experience an increase in depression and anxiety during this period of life. But anger and rage can also increase. The feelings of intense anger aren’t always there. They tend to be triggered by certain experiences and events.
If you experience perimenopausal rage it is good to make an appointment with your doctor or therapist. I experienced this a little, but for me it was mostly yelling at traffic and not at anyone I know. But it’s still uncomfortable to be that angry. So don’t be afraid to talk to a professional about it.
UTIs
This symptom drives me nuts! Urinary tract infections are downright uncomfortable! But many women suffer with an increase in UTIs in perimenopause and when postmenopausal. It’s not because of trying a new sexual position or toy. In fact, it has nothing to do with sex at all. So why does this happen? Estrogen helps to raise the level of healthy bacteria that lives in your bladder, and vagina. But as estrogen levels decrease, there is less protection against bacterial infection. And since bacterial get in more easily it causes an increase in UTIs.
Treatment is the same as before perimenopause and menopause. But there are also things that can be done to help prevent having so many UTIs so talk to your doctor to find out your options if UTIs are problematic for you.
Heart palpitations
This is a common symptom, but it’s also a scary one! And because it can be scary, we don’t normally talk about it. These palpitations can feel like your heart is fluttering, pounding, or beating irregularly or faster than usual. While palpitations can be unsettling, they are typically harmless and a direct result of the hormonal changes that occur during perimenopause.
The primary cause of heart palpitations in perimenopause is the fluctuation in hormone levels, particularly estrogen. Estrogen has a significant impact on the cardiovascular system, including the regulation of heart rate and the maintenance of the elasticity of blood vessels. As estrogen levels rise and fall unpredictably during perimenopause, this can lead to episodes of palpitations.
Now although they are typically harmless, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor to rule out other causes.
Fatigue
While fatigue can be caused by various things, including lifestyle, stress, and underlying health conditions, hormonal changes play a big role in contributing to fatigue during perimenopause. During perimenopause, the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone, two key hormones that play essential roles in regulating energy levels and sleep patterns. Fluctuations in these hormone levels can disrupt the body’s internal clock, leading to changes in sleep quality and duration, which can contribute to feelings of fatigue and exhaustion.
And we aren’t just talking about being a little sleepy here. It is an overwhelming, crushing fatigue that can make it difficult to get anything done. I’ve struggled with this, and it’s actually difficult to keep your eyes open when it hits. It’s important to keep a regular sleep schedule. Plan 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Also, be sure to do things to manage stress daily. And drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause fatigue too.
Feeling like you’re going crazy
This is something I’ve heard a lot from women in perimenopause. There are moments that you feel like you’re going crazy! The mood swings can be intense! You can go from feeling happy to completely melting down with full on ugly crying. A few moments later you’re feeling angry. Meanwhile your brain is foggy and you don’t remember things the way you used to. It all makes you feel like you have no control in your life. And that can make you feel a bit as if you are going crazy.
You’re not! The hormonal changes you are facing are completely normal. And although they make your moods vacilate quickly, that’s normal too. There are a couple of things I recommend. Go and talk to your doctor or therapist. They can help put your mind at ease! Find a support group or go on a menopause message board or website like Reddit and share what you are going through. It has been so helpful to me to interact with other women who are going through the same thing! You aren’t alone, but so often women suffer in silence! The women online may also have things that they’ve tried that have worked well for them that you may want to try too! So find a community that can give you support!
Feeling like you’re dying
I have definitely felt this, and I’ve talked to SO many women who have also experienced this. There are times when the symptoms just make you feel so awful that you feel like you must be slowly dying. All of the joint pain, mood issues, fatigue, hot flashes and other bodily changes can be downright overwhelming. AND WE DON’T TALK ABOUT THIS…EVER!
But we need to. Because you don’t have to struggle so much! Or live with the pain for years. Going through perimenopause is not easy. But there are things that can help!
Thoughts of suicide
Along with this I need to say one thing. As I was reading through the different menopause message boards online over the past few months, one things has really stood out. There are a LOT of women who are experiencing really horrible symptoms. The moods and pain have become so overwhelming that they don’t know if they can go on. I was shocked at just how many women shared this.
If you are struggling, please get help! You are NOT alone and there are things that can be done that can help your symptoms! So don’t give up! Keep the hope that better days are coming and you can feel good again!
I’m not a doctor or therapist, but it’s so important to go and see a doctor to help you through so many of these symptoms. Many of these symptoms can be connected to other health conditions. So it’s important to rule those things out! And your doctor can help give you options for treatment to make life easier.
IF YOUR DOCTOR DISMISSES YOUR SYMPTOMS
Find another doctor…period! There is no excuse for a doctor that dismisses symptoms that are impacting your quality of life. Too often doctors prescrible antidepressants and anti anxiety meds, but don’t think to look into hormonal changes. So find a doctor that will! There are plenty of telehealth doctors who specialize in the changes associated with perimenopause and menopause now.
It is important to be your own advocate. You know your body and you know you don’t feel great! The good news is that you don’t have to continue feeling crappy! So here’s to the journey of feeling good again!
